Established in 1997, seeks to develop the next generation of community-spirited leaders, providing them with the tools necessary to meet the challenges of corporate and civic leadership in the 21st century.
The program is a unique mix of intellectual and personal development seminars designed to broaden the perspectives of the participants and hone their skills in values-based leadership. It honors the memory of Chicago industrialist Henry Crown (1896-1990), whose legendary career was marked by a lifelong commitment to honor, integrity, industry and philanthropy.
Each year a class of 20 Crown Fellows is chosen from young executives and professionals nominated for their potential to provide leadership at the highest levels of corporate and civic responsibility. The selected candidates are men and women between the ages of 25 and 45 who have already achieved considerable success in the private or public sector.
The two-year program is made up of a variety of seminar components and leadership development activities under the guidance of skilled Aspen Institute seminar leaders and senior mentors. It involves 24 days of seminar meetings plus the time allocated for individual community leadership projects.
Individuals cannot apply to the Crown Fellowship Program on their own: they must be nominated by recognized leaders of the business and professional communities.